Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal charge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, can lead to severe penalties, including jail time and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for misdemeanors and felonies at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years imprisonment. The specific statute applied to your case determines the potential consequences you face.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. We understand how prosecutors in Prince George’s County build cases and use that insight to develop effective defense strategies.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court procedures and location details, visit the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Prince George’s County Court Process and Defense Strategy
In Prince George’s County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances happen at the District Court on Main Street in Upper Marlboro. Felony jury trials proceed to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include PBJ, probation, fines, or incarceration.
- Post-Trial Options: This includes filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the charge’s severity and classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Varies | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None | Community service |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the other side builds cases. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 cases with a high rate of favorable outcomes. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation for every client.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Prince George’s County. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and acquittals. For example, in other Maryland jurisdictions, we have secured outcomes like “Nolle Prosequi” (charges dropped) in child pornography distribution cases and suspended sentences with probation in possession cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems offers a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Local Defense Representation in Prince George’s County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients throughout Prince George’s County. We are accessible via major highways like I-495 and I-95. If you are searching for a “criminal charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County” or need to know “how to beat criminal charges lawyer Prince George’s County,” we offer 24/7 phone consultations. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in Prince George’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends on the disposition of your case. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The petition is filed in the court where the case was heard, such as the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, and (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. Felonies begin there but go to Prince George’s County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years). An attorney can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal at the District Court. The potential consequences far outweigh the cost of representation.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after being charged?
Immediately. Early intervention by a criminal defense lawyer Prince Georges County is crucial. It allows your attorney to advise you during police questioning, advocate at your bail hearing, and begin building your defense strategy before the prosecution’s case is solidified.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Prince George’s County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific case.